2015 Hyundai Tucson: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2015 Hyundai Tucson
On the 2015 Hyundai Tucson, the failure owners report most often is other engine problem, and the reports cluster around 62,500 miles. The earliest to appear is other powertrain problem, reported by a median of 55,000 miles. Overall it scores 72 out of 100, high risk for a 2015.
High risk for a 2015 — 139th riskiest of the 273 2015 vehicles we can rate. 309 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
The failures owners actually file about
Owners have reported 44 named failure modes on the 2015 Hyundai Tucson, and the three most-reported carry 47% of everything filed.
Other engine problem leads with 66 reports, about 1.5 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 42k to 72,500 miles.
Other brake problem follows with 62 reports, median 75,000 miles. 1 of those report mention a fire.
Complete engine failure or seizure follows with 17 reports, usually reported between 70k to 80,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into engine (124), brakes (63) and electrical (17).
The mileage the reports cluster at
126 of the reports on the 2015 Hyundai Tucson came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 63,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 41% by 50,000 miles, 86% by 100,000 miles and 98% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.
The busiest stretch is between 70,000 and 80,000 miles, which alone holds 17% of the dated reports.
31% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.
In the order they tend to show up: other powertrain problem around 55k, other engine problem around 63k and complete engine failure or seizure around 71k.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 44. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
Severity, and what it costs
Across the named modes, 12 mention a crash, 11 a fire and 10 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.72, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other engine problem at $300–$4,000, other brake problem at $300–$1,800, complete engine failure or seizure at $4,500–$12,000 and other powertrain problem at $400–$4,500. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
45% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other engine problem | engine | 66 | 33 | 42k | 63k | 73k | 1.5 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 62 | 7 | — | 74k | — | 1.4 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Complete engine failure or seizure | engine | 17 | 8 | 70k | 71k | 79k | 0.4 | $4,500–$12,000 | Critical |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 13 | 8 | 17k | 55k | 90k | 0.3 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 13 | 5 | — | 39k | — | 0.3 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Excessive oil consumption | engine | 12 | 7 | — | 104k | — | 0.3 | $900–$6,500 | High |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 11 | 7 | — | 47k | — | 0.2 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 9 | 3 | — | 35k | — | 0.2 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 7 | 5 | — | 30k | — | 0.2 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| No-start or intermittent start failure | engine | 6 | 5 | — | 30k | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Engine bay fire | engine | 5 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $4,000–$20,000 | Critical |
| Misfire or rough idle | engine | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,600 | Moderate |
| Engine knock or bearing noise | engine | 4 | 1 | — | 102k | — | 0.1 | $2,500–$9,000 | High |
| Other driver assistance problem | adas | 4 | 2 | — | 55k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,800 | High |
| Oil leak | engine | 3 | 2 | — | 110k | — | 0.1 | $250–$2,200 | Moderate |
| Stalling while driving | engine | 3 | 1 | — | 44k | — | 0.1 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure | electrical | 3 | 3 | — | 70 | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,500 | High |
| Software fault or failed update | software | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $0–$600 | Moderate |
| Head gasket failure | engine | 2 | 2 | — | 70k | — | 0.0 | $1,400–$4,000 | Critical |
| Torque converter failure | transmission | 2 | 1 | — | 33k | — | 0.0 | $1,100–$3,200 | High |
| Fuel leak or fuel odor | fuel | 2 | 2 | — | 53k | — | 0.0 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Airbag failed to deploy in a crash | airbag | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $1,000–$5,000 | Critical |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 2 | 1 | — | 43k | — | 0.0 | $200–$900 | High |
| Tire blowout or tread separation | wheels | 2 | 2 | — | 62k | — | 0.0 | $200–$1,500 | Critical |
| Rust or structural corrosion | body | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $500–$6,000 | High |
| Sunroof failure or glass breakage | body | 2 | 2 | — | 2k | — | 0.0 | $700–$4,500 | High |
| Air conditioning failure | hvac | 2 | 2 | — | 16k | — | 0.0 | $400–$2,800 | Moderate |
| Catalytic converter failure | emissions | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $900–$3,500 | Moderate |
| Tail light, brake light or signal failure | lighting | 2 | 2 | — | 189k | — | 0.0 | $100–$900 | Moderate |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure | engine | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $1,200–$4,500 | Critical |
| Piston, ring or cylinder wall damage | engine | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $3,000–$9,500 | Critical |
| Shifter, linkage or stuck-in-park failure | transmission | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,400 | High |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 1 | 1 | — | 90k | — | 0.0 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Alternator or charging system failure | electrical | 1 | 1 | — | 114k | — | 0.0 | $450–$1,600 | High |
| ABS module or sensor failure | brakes | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $500–$2,400 | High |
| Lane keep or steering assist fault | adas | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $200–$1,600 | High |
| Steering column or shaft failure | steering | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $600–$2,500 | Critical |
| Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure | suspension | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $400–$2,200 | High |
| Exhaust leak or fumes in the cabin | emissions | 1 | 1 | — | 46k | — | 0.0 | $250–$2,000 | High |
| Headlight failure or clouding | lighting | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $150–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Other steering problem | steering | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 1 | 1 | — | 4k | — | 0.0 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other lighting problem | lighting | 1 | 1 | — | 50k | — | 0.0 | $120–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Unclassified problem | other | 26 | 10 | 23k | 38k | 64k | 0.6 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2015 Hyundai Tucson draws about 6.9 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 87th percentile of complaint rates among 2015 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 44,668 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2015 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Other engine problem
When taking corners in the city I can't accelerate the car just revs for about 15-30 seconds and won't move. I have to try to pull over to get off the road. Also when accelerating from a stop the RPM's like to shoot up but the car won't take no gas. I have almost been hit twice because of this problem. Hyundai just says learn how to drive it. Learn what how to stall?
I was taking left into my drive, in front of oncoming traffic, the engine sounded like it was revving, but I had absolute no power. Luckily I got enough power eventually to get into the driveway without getting hit. I have had this happen repeatedly in this car. It has been into the deal once and they said they updated the software but it has started happening again. This is so dangerous. I never know exactly what I'm going to get when I step on the gas. The dual action clutch is awful and I was not informed about it even having this when I bought it. Otherwise, I would not have bought it.
Recalls on the 2015 model year
NHTSA has issued 1 recall campaign covering the 2015 Hyundai Tucson, affecting an estimated 44,668 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electron. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
357,348 vehicles 2022-02-03- Defect
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
- Consequence
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 218.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2015 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
Where 2015 sits in the model line
High risk for a 2015 — 139th riskiest of the 273 2015 vehicles we can rate. Because the ranking is against the same model year only, age cancels out of it.
Across the 22 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2007 comes out best at 63 and 2017 worst at 81, with 2015 itself at 72.
If the model year is negotiable, 2007 and 2008 score lower than 2015 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 2010–2015 generation specifically, 2010 is the strongest year at 70 and 2012 the weakest at 74.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2010-2015 generation, 2010 Hyundai Tucson scores best at 70 and 2012 Hyundai Tucson worst at 74.
What to look at before buying one
The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: other powertrain problem from about 17k, other engine problem from about 42k and complete engine failure or seizure from about 70k.
On a 2015 Hyundai Tucson with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether other powertrain problem has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.
None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.
The limits of complaint data
309 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 309 reports, 126 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 41% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Hyundai Tucson?
The most-reported failures are other engine problem (66 reports, median 62,500 miles), other brake problem (62 reports, median 75,000 miles) and complete engine failure or seizure (17 reports, median 70,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
At what mileage do 2015 Hyundai Tucson problems start?
Other powertrain problem is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 55,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 15,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 63,000 miles.
Is the 2015 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
It scores 72 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 139th riskiest of the 273 2015 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2015 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Hyundai Tucson is best?
Within the 2010–2015 generation, 2010 scores best at 70 out of 100 and 2012 worst at 74. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed